Terry Johnson, candidate for county judge, speaks during an event hosted by The Liberty Project of Texas for Republicans running in local, state and national elections Feb. 3, 2018. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Terry Johnson, candidate for county judge, speaks during an event hosted by The Liberty Project of Texas for Republicans running in local, state and national elections Feb. 3, 2018. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

3. Public safety and corrections constitute 32percent of this fiscal year's budget. What should be priorities for the sheriff’s office? Please include thoughts about the jail in your response. (Feb. 18)

Our Founding Fathers put in place a promise of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I am convinced that the role of our federal, state and local government is to protect those rights. The federal government does that on a global scale while the state and local government is tasked to accomplish this in our respective communities, against the threats we face against our person and property.

A county judge can set the tone for strong law enforcement within the borders of the county he has jurisdiction. That tone must be backed up, with the will of the people of that county, with a sheriff and a Sheriff’s Office committed to the safety of those they serve.

That tone must also be backed up by the needed funding that insures the ability to hire the finest people available. In our oil-driven economy where wages are high for the available workforce to maintain the oilfield, this is a constant challenge. In our economic climate the employees in law enforcement and most of our first responder positions must work part-time jobs at night and on weekends, away from their families, to provide a living for those families. We ask these professionals to help us in our worst circumstances, at times putting their lives between us and those who want to harm us. The cost for this is nothing compared to those we love who they protect.

As Midland grows and is set to continue that growth, our detention facility itself needs updates, renovations as well as expansion to be in compliance with state and federally mandated requirements as well as to meet the physical needs to deal with those who chose to break our laws and disrupt our ways of life. Facilities, software, equipment, training, employee incentives, salaries must keep up. There is absolutely no reason that it is a given that those who serve to protect us, and our property must do so at a discounted price or with discounted equipment and or facilities. The citizens of Midland expect and deserve no less.

The criminals who prey on our homes, businesses, property, families don’t take a break. Our law enforcement is our line of defense against these elements and must remain diligent.

Midland has, hands down one of the finest Sheriffs and Sheriff’s Offices in this country. As citizens of Midland County, we deserve the finest facilities to match the talents of these men and women. We must recruit the best, train the best, equip the best and we will get the best. Our loved ones are worth this investment. Midland can make this investment.